I continue with my New Year’s resolution of making none. I am weary of disappointing myself.

Well, UPS delivers but so does the Patriot boat. When the steamship had to close down because of wind and weather, several UPS drivers were stranded here in Vineyard Haven. Several of our UPS drivers were stranded in Woods Hole. The Patriot party boat to the rescue. They got every driver home to their families for the holiday! Thank you, Patriot boat!

Lovely day for me. I watched Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome on Christmas Eve. It was beautiful. But I still miss a Latin Mass. We did have some hymns in Italian.

Fortunate we have this community. My credit card was dropped in our Stop & Shop parking lot. Some kind soul found it and turned it in for me. Thank you so much!

Great news from my young friend Holly Petre. Holly has just completed her graduate studies at the New York University School of Journalism. Her graduation will be in May. Her parents, Susan and Jeff Petre, are delighted.

Johnny Hoy brings his music to The Ritz on Wednesday, Dec. 28 and also on New Year’s Eve. Ring in the new year with great music.

One of my dearest Facebook friends of six years has passed in her state of Washington. Ivy and I bonded years ago through our activity and support of NoDALP — the Dakota Access Pipeline protests — in North Dakota. Ivy was the sweetest, kindest person. She loved her family, friends and her soulmate Carlos. I am bereft. Please include them all in your prayers.

The birthday bandwagon pulled along Rene Moncada and Janet Ginter on Dec. 27. Fred Shapiro celebrates on Dec. 28. And on Jan. 2, Anthony Masi takes the cake. Many happy returns. I’m wishing you all the best in 2023 and always.